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| Well the babes in our lives definitely deserve special treatment when dealing with their lovely tresses as much as we do. Thankfully, there is a whole lot more information on natural hair care for our children today...definitely much more then ever before. |
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| However, it (natural hair) can still create a struggle for our children socially. Children are extremely impressionable and certainly fall into the peer envy category much more easily than adults will. Also, some children are just cruel with their words to others. Completely thoughtless as to how they may be hurting another child's feelings. So, what is a mom to do? First of all, setting a good example while reinforcing (validating) the absolute worth of the natural state of the child's hair is sooooo important. |
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| And anyone that has made some type of fun at that child's expense is just totally wrong and should not be paid any attention to. Since they are obviously not their own person and must rely on the laughter or amusement of the crowd for attention...just a clown. This will be hard for a child to completely understand, but you must not give up and give them your support completely. |
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| Start them off right. Let them know to be proud of their heritage, to stand tall and realize the value of being themselves. Without having to conform to an ideal that is both unhealthy & unrealistic. |
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| Just a straight up 'untruth' that a majority our culture seems to hold on to due to an inbred need to assimilate to a standard that has disassembled the beauty of being natural [nappy]...Whew...it's getting hot in here :)... |
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| Anyway...the point is to instill into your child their own natural beauty. That it is not all about who has the straightest hair, biggest bubble barrette/rubberband hairdo, longest or wavy hair in their class. It should be about individualism and pride in ones self. I know that they are not going to get it overnight, but if you plant the seeds now they WILL grow...and grow strong. |
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| Infants -- Cradle cap...oh yes, we all know about this one. A very common condition for newborns. This is caused by over stimulated sebaceous glands that have become inflamed. Resulting in the production of in an unusual amount of sebum (oil) on the hair shaft itself. Settling on the skin and creating scaly [thick] patches on the scalp.
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| When treating your baby for this particular condition, please, don't be tempted to pick it or try to scratch it out while shampooing. This condition will go away once the sebaceous glands return to their normal state. The child may have to simply outgrow this particular stage. My own child suffered from this condition as an infant. I did all of the home remedies that some of the older folks said that I should try. Like applying baby oil to my child's scalp. That did not work. Talcum baby powder will not work either, since this is not a rash but something entirely different. Eventually I took my child to the doctor after many failed attempts of the home remedies. My child's doctor prescribed "Selsun Blue". It seems that an ingredient that is only available in this particular product will do the job, and offer some relief for this condition. I must say that it worked, and worked quite well indeed. I followed the directions given by my doctor, gently washing my child's hair with a small amount of water and a bit of the Selsun Blue (about a quarter size) and rubbed in gently (while avoiding the fontenelle/soft spot on my baby's head). I did it about once a day that way and sometimes I would just apply a small amount on my child's head with no water at all, like a hair lotion. The cradle cap cleared up quickly after that. Now, this was at the advice of my own doctor, so please consult your own child's doctor before trying this out. Better safe than sorry. |
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| Also, I have come across a recipe for a "Cradle Cap Ease" oil that you may find useful as well. |
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| 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil. |
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| Mix oils. (Essential oils must be mixed in a base vegetable oil when they are to be applied directly to the skin.) Funnel the mixture into a small brown bottle, close tightly, and store in cool, dark location. |
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| Use the oil mixture daily for three weeks until the cradle cap goes away. If it has not gone away, discontinue use and have a doctor examine your child |
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| *taken from the book "No Lye" by author Tulani Kinard |
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| I have not tried this one personally, but this makes perfect sense to me. Also, all of the ingredients are 100% natural. However, I suggest that you consult with your child's doctor before trying any home made recipe...better safe than sorry. |
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| Shampoo's & Conditioner's -- Unless you are using heavy pomades, oil or grease to your child's hair regimen, regular baby shampoo will due just fine for your child's hair; up to the age of three or four years old. Dust and debris from the air will be attracted to hair that has been treated with plenty of the pomades, oil or grease. Then you will definitely need the use of shampoo to properly cleanse the hair.
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| Any pH balanced and moisturizing shampoo will do. Once it has been designated to treat dry and damaged hair, it is generally a good choice. These types of shampoos are made to replenish the moisture in the hair shaft itself. Instead of shampooing the hair two to three times like you would for your own hair, just wash your child's hair once, at the shampoos full strength. Or, your can use 50% shampoo with 50% water and wash twice. The choice is yours. But, since naturally coily hair needs more moisture to be retained to remain healthy...I suggest that you follow the first instruction to wash once at full strength and go to the conditioner right after that. |
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| This is a good regimen to follow until the child is about six years old. Then you can either start washing at the shampoos full strength twice or decrease the dilution ratio from 50/50 to 75 % shampoo and 25% water. |
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| For conditioning your child's hair, use about half the amount that is suggested for an adult. Please keep in mind that you must take into consideration the actual texture and thickness of your child's hair. Observe the resulting condition of your child's hair as direction towards the right amount of conditioner to use. Generally, a quarter drop amount will do the job just nicely. |
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| This regimen is appropriate for both girls and boys, and should be done on a weekly or [at a minimum] biweekly basis. For boys, after shampooing and conditioning apply a light oil and either brush or comb hair. |
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| Also, a good diet is just as important for your child as it is for yourself. Chuck full of fiber, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and other nutrients is the best way to produce a wonderful head of beautiful, healthy, natural hair. |
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| Comb Out of Your Daughter's Hair -- |
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| Tools Needed: Wide Tooth Comb/Rat Tail Comb/Scalp Oil/Hair Lotion or Spritz/Hand Towel. |
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| When it comes to the comb out before styling, it is not that much different from your own. First of all you must make sure to keep the hair damp if you are planning on combing the hair into a style right after shampooing and conditioning. Keep a spray bottle next to you with three parts water one part conditioner on hand for easy spritzing of the hair while your are braiding or cornrowing. This is the best way. Use the wide tooth comb for combing out and the rat tail comb for parting only. You can oil the scalp as your parting the hair for the style that you have chosen. DO NOT COMB OUT WITH RAT TAIL COMB OR A WHOLE LOT OF HOLLERING WILL BE GOING ON... |
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| If your plan is to let the hair dry completely and you do not want your child's hair to be wet while you style (cold weather, etc.) then follow these instructions: |
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| Apply hair lotion to the entire head. Put about a half dollar amount of the lotion in your hands. Rub your hands together and work the lotion into your child's hair (the shorter the hair the less lotion you will need). Rub the lotion from the root to the ends with particular attention to the ends of the hair. |
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| Part the hair into four to six sections. Hold the hair at the base, as close to the roots as you can with out pulling tightly. Keep holding on to the base as you gently comb out the hair from the ends. Take your time, do not pull on the hair. After you are satisfied that your have gotten all of the tangles out, braid/twist up that particular section of hair. Continue on to the next section, following the exact same procedure. After you have completed all of the sections, the hair should be somewhat dry by now. If not, help things along by using a blow dryer/hood dryer for about 5 to 10 minutes to complete the drying process. Use the dryer on it's lowest setting. Do not allow the hair to be 'bone dry' before starting to style. Softness is desired to proceed, bone dry hair will not be soft. Then just undo each section as you need to achieve the style that your have envisioned. |
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| As you style the hair use the scalp oil [on the scalp only] to keep it moisturized as you go along. |
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| Blow Drying -- This is another option for you. Apply hair lotion to the entire head as instructed above, and proceed to part the hair into four to six sections. I suggest that you use a dryer that is 'Ionized' delivering ions to the hair to retain/create shine moisture within the hair. Otherwise you will definitely be risking the good health of your child's hair.
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| Then, (section by section) with either a wide tooth comb attachment or a wide tooth hand held comb, comb out the hair with the dryer away from the child's face. Be careful and use the lowest setting. Make sure that your child is totally comfortable with the temperature setting that you have selected to avoid overheating or burning of the child's delicate skin. Very important. |
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| Generally, up to five minutes in each section (depending on the child's length/thickness of hair) is good enough. Again, bone dry is not the desired result for your child's natural hair. Just dry enough to have just passed the damp state without being bone dry. Moisture is the key, your child's hair should still be soft to the touch. |
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| Once your child's hair is dry...proceed with styling. |
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| Cornrowing Natural Hair -- Cornrowing your child's hair is one of the best ways to achieve healthy hair growth. The gentle pull of the cornrow is an absolutely benefit for this styling technique as it will promote the hair to grow through stimulating the scalp itself. The addition of beads will achieve this as well. The light weight of the beads will gently pull down on the hair, stimulating the scalp and resulting in hair growth.
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| Also the younger the child the bigger the cornrows should be. Be gentle with your young one's hair. This will result in good healthy hair, and a scalp that won't be so tender headed; as if NO cornrowing or similar styling were introduced to your child's hair. |
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| Braiding Natural Hair -- Although I believe that cornrows are truely flattering for our young ones, individual braids are also an option. Make sure when you are doing this that you do not pull tightly on the scalp. There is generally no real need to have to reinforce the ends with rubberbands or elastics. Naturally coily hair will hold together without it. Beads, small ones that are truly appropriate for your child, will do for a lovely decoration if desired.
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| Extensions -- Should only be used to complement the thickness of the child's hair to keep in a particular style. Extensions should only be as long as the child's natural hair length or maybe an inch or so longer (tips/ends touching no longer than the outer shoulder). Any longer will result in hair loss due to the extreme weight of the added on hair. Also, NO BIG CASAMAS/TYPE BRAIDS OR CORNROWS. This is just too heavy for your child to wear. This method of styling is recommended for a child six years of age or older. It really is not necessary for a child any younger than this. Please don't be one of those mama's with the baby hair drama. |
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| Extra Helpful Hints/Tips -- Never, never, ever, every, make the style sooo tight that your child is hollering, crying, or at truly uncomfortable. This will result in little white hair bumps all around the hairline (or even throughout the scalp) which will definitely result in hair loss; and it could be permanent hair loss as well. You definitely don't want that.
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| If when doing your child's hair and they are experiencing true pain. Then stop right there. Do it more loosely. |
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| If your have already done your child's hair and they are experiencing pain. Take out there hair because it has been done too tightly and will result in hair loss. |
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| Also, stay away from your child's lanugo (baby hair) hair that is around the hairline. Do not try to incorporate this hair into any braid, cornrow or extension. Just let it be. This way you will preserve the child's natural hairline. |
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| NO RUBBER BANDS...(LOL)...Really...just don't do it. There is absolutely no reason for the use of rubberbands. They are truly damaging to hair. It will just cut it right on out. Your better off using ribbons for sectioning hair.
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| Remember, your must use a wide tooth comb to comb through your child's hair. A brush should really be used only for achieving a lay down effect after the hair has already been combed through properly as I have instructed above. Or unless you are dealing with a male child's hair. |
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| Treat your baby's hair right, just like you would do your own. Instilling good habits, pride in ones self and heritage. Ahhh...what a wonderful world you will introduce them to. Being an individual that deserves respect and appreciation for the unique and beautiful person that s/he is. From now and forever...:) |
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| Shopping List...Spring / Summer |
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| What will really be needed for the coming season? |
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| Well, it's about that time yall...Spring is rearing it's lovely and most anticipated head...While Summer is right around the corner. |
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| AHHH!!! Cool yet warm breezes, soon to be followed by the summer heat. Unlike the winter...there will be more moisture in the air. Humidity will be on the rise...YEAH! However...when the heat truly gets here...(like in Mid to late June) YUCK may yet again become a part of your nappy hair vocabulary! |
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| Also... we must consider the UV rays from the sun as well as increased Polution in the air. This can definitely damper the general condition of your hair.
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| Even so...I feel that our hair has a much better chance ... ESPECIALLY 'OUT' styles...during this time than during the winter. I will definitely be trying to 'show off' this season...LOL...myself...;) |
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| I have come up with some ideas & developed this shopping list for us to utilize in the upcoming (and for some of us -- current) warm / hot season. ;) |
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 Moisture -- I know that everyone can be been a bit stingy (not too stingy, but just a bit) with moisturizing 'styling products' during the warm months and with good reason...this will definitely be the case if we have another HOT summer. Nobody wants to be over moisturized in the hot weather...it only weighs your hair down, causes more frequent breakouts, and can clog up the pores in your scalp. |
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| Resulting in slow hair growth, dandruff, scabies, itchies...you don't want none of that mess on your head. |
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| So just quickly use up that SUPA DUPA HEAVY moisturizing product that you have been using all winter. Because it's days are definitely numbered. |
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| But... on the other hand...you don't want to fall victim to having the heat DRY out your hair either. So the correct 'balance' is key to the healthy survival of nappy hair during this season. Check out this psuedo regimen as an example to follow for the upkeep of your nappy tresses... |
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| - Wash hair three times a week followed by conditoner |
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| - Do an after shampoo/conditioner rinse with 'ACV' (or solution of) once a week |
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| - Apply 'light' oil mix to scalp... |
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| - Apply 'light' butter /honey mix to hair |
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| - Do a plain water or 'herbal' rinse on a bi-daily (daily) if needed to maintain moisture |
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| & proper [desired] style condtion. |
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| - Do carry a small 'spritz mix' bottle for 'through out the day' moisture upkeep...if needed. |
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| - Moisturize ends of hair every night with 'light' oil or 'light' butter / honey mix. |
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| - Keep heavy styling products down to a significant minimum or not at all. |
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| And there you go...that's what I will be doing...in a 'nutshell'. |
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| Remember...Keep that scalp in check...Being exposed to the elements described above can be detrimental to the scalp. Try these to maintain balance with these 'light' oils... |
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| Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil. |
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| You can add 8 drops of tea tree essential oil with 5-7 drops of orange essential oil to about two ounces of any (or an equal combination) of the base oils that I have listed for a pretty decent scalp oil that won't clog you up. |
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| The ends must have it. Make sure to moisturize your ends on a DAILY basis. This is to avoid dryness, which leads to split ends and breakage. Depending on how your body naturally secretes oil from your scalp. |
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| There are some nappies that have adopted the 'No Oil' routine...so moisturize (and purchase) appropriately. |
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| Incorporate 'Hair Moisturizers' that are humectants [not intended for the scalp...only your hair above root...it will be too heavy to add humectant types directly to your scalp PLEASE remember that when shopping] -- such as natural honey or glycerin. Just be sure that the mixture has a really good moisturizing base oil for the humectants consumption -- such as Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil.
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| Shampoo & Conditioner -- This is the time dig up that super cleansing shampoo that you were using last summer. 'Clean Moisture' is sooooooooo important now when having to deal with shampooing and conditioning natural hair in the warmer to hot months.
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| The ingredients that I have listed above for moisturizer's are excellent for incorporating into your shampoo/conditioner routine. |
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| Because they are 'light', absorbed easily and quickly, all while nourishing your hair and scalp with vitamins, nutrients and moisture. If you are going to add to your own shampoo then I would suggest that you stick with the lighter oils that I have mentioned for direct contact. |
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| Butters must be liquefied correctly and completely... then cut with a 'light' base oil before it is included into the mix, if you feel that you may need just a bit of their help for maintaining moisture. I don't believe that you will need to add this to your shampoos like you may have done this winter though. Too heavy for a proper washing.
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| Save the butter / honey mixture for 'light' application to your HAIR right before styling. Your best bet may be to buy a commercial brand designed with natural products that will deliver and retain moisture to your natural hair. Check out my 'Regimen' for tips. |
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| Conditoning is still and will forever be IMPORTANT. So definitely keep that up. I believe that using the exact same same conditioner (as long as it is not a thick cream, mayo, or other supa heavy type) that you have been using this past winter should be just fine. It should be rich enough to deliver supreme moisture, shine and help to maintain your 'out' style. Without weighing down your hair. Like the texture of a smooth yet rich creamy lotion. Definitely check out the ingredients...for both shampoo and conditioner...for the most natural and fortifying ingredients possible. Check out my 'Regimen' for tips. |
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| I definitely and HIGHLY recommend that you increase your 'ACV' or 'Herbal Tea Mix' rinse application...check out this psuedo regimen for suggestions. |
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| The amount of deep conditioning, hot oil treatments should be decreased. Be careful, when decreasing these treatments you should avoid proteins not bump up on them. Protein treatments should be applied ONCE every 7 weeks...and ONLY if needed -- just to use as a boost or jolt for damaged hair. Use sparingly and exclusively. |
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| Cover Up -- Airy Spring / Summer Hats, Light Scarves & Wraps ... offering you style and light protection from the elements. Not just for the Winter...'Cover Ups' can be a flavorful addition to any spring / summer outfit. |
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| And looking cute is always the flavour du jour...but it ain't cute walking around with hair that resembles a nest made of dry wood branches. This is a time to really utilize Hats, Scarves...as well as protective styles like...braids, cornrows. |
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| Please be careful what type of fabric you use for your hair...refer to the 'Scarves & Material Section' of this page for your selection of fabrics for your Hats, Scarves, Wraps. |
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| Also, if you do decide to go for protective styles, but with extensions, make sure to use a hair type that is appropriate for your natural hair -- as well as the hair style that you choose. Check this out... |
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| Air Conditioner -- Yes...please be careful and don't sit right in front of or LINGER in an Air Conditioned room with 'wet' hair...al you will do is end up sick with a cold. So...treat your hair appropriately in these conditions.
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| For those of you who work in an office / area where it's like on FREEZE...LOL for the whole summer. Be sure to carry a small 'spritz mix' bottle with you. This shoud definitely correct this problem. Since this type of air will not be humid...I highly suggest that you not rely on a humectant mix in these conditions. |
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| The supa dupa moisture rich and fatty oils / butters that are usually needed to 'feed' the humectant ingredient will be too heavy for your before work / after work commute time. Resulting in a jacked up mess...lol. |
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| A light oil / water mix should do well...like one part olive oil (or any of the oils that I have mentioned above being described as a 'light' oil) with one part water...Or...one part conditioner with two parts water...and if you have the opportunity to keep it (mixture) warm...that 's even better for your hair. |
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| Water -- Yes, we still need it so be sure to get plenty of it. This is one of the best ways to deliver moisture to your hair from the inside track (pun intended). Also great for your skin as well. |
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| Vitamins -- Take a multi-vitamin everyday.
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| Don't forget to check out my 'Nutrition' page for more great tips and advice.
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| Shopping List...Fall / Winter |
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| What will really be needed for the coming season? |
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| Well, it's about that time yall...Winter is right around the corner. BRRR!!! Cold, dry air, & dry heat from heaters YUCK! Virtually no moisture in the air...for our hair. What is a nappy to do? |
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| I have come up with some ideas & developed this shopping list for us to utilize in the upcoming (and for some of us -- current) cold season. ;) |
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| Humidifier -- For those of you that have to live or work in absolute dry heat, a humidifier is an excellent solution. What it does is to produce moisture within the area directly surrounding the device -- in the 'Air' itself.
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| This will combat the 'Dry Heat' produced by heating systems that seem to work too well. Dry heat WILL reek havoc on your hair, causing dry, moisture depleted hair that WILL crackle & break under the pressure. |
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| Dry heat is also really terrible for your skin, and sinuses...try to avoid or modify a dry heat environment for own sake. |
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| Cover Up -- Hats, Scarves, Wraps, Hoods...it's the big cover up season people, get ready now!
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| Well looking cute is always the flavour du jour...but it ain't cute walking around with hair that resembles a nest made of dry wood branches. It is so important to have something to cover your head with while outside in the cold season. The air outside is so cold that it can literally 'freeze dry' our hair. Which of course will cause it to break right off. |
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| This is a time to really utilize Hats, Scarves, Wraps, Hoods...as well as protective styles like...braids, cornrows. |
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| Please be careful what type of fabric you use for your hair...refer to the 'Scarves & Material Section' of this page for your selection of fabrics for your Hats, Scarves, Wraps, Hoods. |
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| Also, if you do decide to go for protective styles, but with extensions, make sure to use a hair type that is appropriate for your natural hair -- as well as the hair style that you choose. Check this out... |
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| Natural hair - Your own hair is really the best for styling ;) but if you must, make sure to choose wisely. I have developed this simple table for your extension needs.
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Style
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Fiber
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Cornrows
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Human hair - Afro Kinky or Wavy ('tight' curls)
Synthetic Hair - Afro Kinky, Kankelon fiber (best synthetic for direct contact with natural hair)
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Individual Twists
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Human hair - Afro Kinky
Synthetic hair - Afro Kinky or Faux Lock Tendrils, Kankelon fiber (best synthetic for direct contact with natural hair)
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Individual Braids
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Human hair - Wavy or Wet & Wavy
Synthetic hair - Wet & Wavy, Kankelon fiber (best synthetic for direct contact with natural hair)
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| These selections are of course for the nappy that wants to achieve a style that resembles some form of 'natural hair'. When done in medium or small sizes, most of these styles will last from 8 - 10 weeks ... Very large sizes will last from 2 - 3 weeks. Take care to wash, cleanse, sanitize properly while wearing any of these protective styles. Remember...moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! |
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| Moisturizer -- Speaking of moisturizer, make sure you have some. I know that everyone has been a bit stingy (not too stingy, but just a bit) with moisturizing 'styling products' lately, and with good reason...due to the hot weather that has just past us by. Nobody wants to be over moisturized in the hot weather...it only weighs your hair down, causes more frequent breakouts, and can clog up the pores in your scalp. |
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| However, now that the cold weather is upon us all, our hair needs that extra moisture...to survive. |
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| Here are some staples that will be seeing my natural hair more often... |
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| Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Hair Smoothies, Evening Primrose Oil, Hair Lotion that includes these natural ingredients as well. |
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| Let's not forget about our scalp as well. Being exposed to the elements described above can be detrimental to the scalp. Try these to maintain balance... |
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| The ends must have it. Make sure to moisturize your ends on a DAILY basis. This is to avoid dryness, which leads to split ends and breakage. Depending on how your body naturally secretes oil from your scalp, your should definitely be upping the amount that you oil your scalp for your own routine. Especially for styles that allow more exposure to the scalp...such as braids, twists, locs, cornrows...etc. |
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| There are some nappies that have adopted the 'No Oil' routine...so moisturize appropriately. Incorporate moisturizers that are humectants -- such as natural honey or glycerin. Just be sure that the mixture has a really good moisturizing base oil for the humectants consumption -- such as Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil. I would try a 1 part humectant - 3 parts base oil/water mixture for the colder months. |
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| You must keep in mind that with the colder air there is FAR LESS humidity in the air making your humectant mix go to the first (closest) source for moisture...your hair product/mix/spritz - then your hair...so be sure to make a well balanced hair product/mix/spritz that will be able to nurture the humectant without sacrificing your hair's own natural oils. |
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| Shampoo & Conditioner -- This is the time to put away that super cleansing shampoo that you have been using all summer. Moisture, moisture, moisture is sooooooooo important now when having to deal with shampooing and conditioning natural hair.
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| The ingredients that I have listed above for moisturizer's are excellent for incorporating into your shampoo/conditioner routine. |
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| If your are going to add to your own shampoo then I would suggest that you stick with the lighter oils that I have mentioned for direct contact. Butters must be liquified correctly before it is included into the mix. Your best bet may be to buy a commercial brand designed with natural products that will deliver and retain moisture to your natural hair. Check out my 'Regimen' for tips. |
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| The amount of conditioning, deep conditioning, hot oil treatments should be increased for hair that is usually dry or dries easily. This is the case for some but certainly not all. So please be sure to properly define your type of hair so that you may use the most appropriate regimen. |
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| I for example...plan on continuing on my own regimen...moisturizing regularly...and don't expect to use any deep treatments/hot oil treatments at all. However...if the East Coast has a Winter as bad as Winter 2003....BRRRRRRUTAL! Then...of COURSE I may just have to reconsider...lol. Until then I am making very small adjustments...decreasing on the bi-daily rinses & washes to like once or twice a week...decreasing on my Baking Soda Washes w/Apple Cider Vinegar rinse. You know things like that - using common sense to not allow my head to be constantly wet/damp and then go outside...all exposed...and getting a terrible cold or worse. |
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| Also...be careful, when increasing these moisturizing conditioning treatments to avoid proteins (keritin as well...very popular ingredient in conditioners). Increasing the amount of protein treatments will result in porous, dry, breaking hair -- So this MUST be separate from regular conditioning. Protein treatments should be applied ONCE every 7 weeks...and ONLY if needed -- just to use as a boost or jolt for damaged hair. Use sparingly and exclusively. |
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| Water -- Yes, we still need it so be sure to get plenty of it. This is one of the best ways to deliver moisture to your hair from the inside track (pun intended). Also great for your skin as well.
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| Vitamins -- Take a multi-vitamin everyday.
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| Don't forget to check out my 'Nutrition' page for more great tips and advice.
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| Scarves & Material Section |
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| I have been all over the boards lately & I have been seeing a lot of talk (or posting rather) on scarves and other hair materials. Like which is better and for what. Well let me break it down for ya. |
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| Excellent fabric for use as a scarf. For decoration or headband purposes -- definitely on the ball. |
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| Benefits - Great for use at night to sleep in. Lays down the hair with no extra damage. The silk itself actually conditions the hair -- Bet you didn't know that one (I just picked that one up recently too so no biggie). The silk contributes to shine/sheen which ultimately keeps your natural hair softer & in primo condition. |
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| Down Side - The thing is that the above results are great for natural hair when little or no oils, pomades, or the like have been applied. You see if that is not the case then the products will saturate the scarf and get all over your pillow, face, & skin. That means pimples, acne, Yuck!!!
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| Another great fabric to use. Easy to find and priced very well. |
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| Benefits - A sleep time must for most. Especially the satin cap. With the cap you can keep your curly styles in tact for the next couple of days after the first day of wearing it. Elastic edging make the satin cap an ideal night time hair buddy. Comfortable and easy.
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| Down Side - The satin scarves are protective as well, but often slip off because the fabric is sooooooo smooth. And if you have applied a good amount of oil, pomade, or the like to your hair -- then you can cut the usual slip off time in half -- It's not even going to stay on your head for more than two hours. Especially while tossing & turning in your sleep. As a headband -- forget about it. Slip off time. Silk is better for that.
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| Great fabric as well for use as a scarf. Also easy to find and the price is low. |
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| Benefit - Polyester is the best at "shielding" the hair at night. What I mean by this is that the fabric does not get as saturated with product when compared to the others. It does not dry out the hair. Best of all, it repels the oils, pomades, and products of the like while staying fit on the head. Simply put, it is the least absorbent and stays on your head while laying your hair down nicely. Product stays on hair, no DRAMATIC leaking, & for the most part stays put. |
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| Down Side - You may not always find the style of scarf that you want that easily. I myself will see mostly the doo-rag sort -- but that will do for the sandman. So who cares.
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| Cotton, cotton, cotton. Yes, everybody knows that cotton is the BAD CLOTH for the natural. I wouldn't say that exactly. As far as sleeping in a cotton scarf -- no I don't do that. |
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| I do, however, where head wraps & they are made out of cotton for the most part. It is all about pure style in those circumstances and I have had NO PROBLEMS with my wraps. Since I am not laying down on them, tossing & turning through the night. I also do not wrap my head tightly at all. I usually go for a more loose wrap with a good hold. More fashionable for my purposes. |
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| So, with that being the case I would say avoid cotton for the night time. Wear cotton in a loose wrap with a good hold for styling in the daytime. And change it up from time to time. There are nice silk scarves to sport too. Although, you may have to shell out $$$ for the length or print you may want. That is when you go to a fabric store. Or you can do what I do and go to one of the small time accessory stores in your neighborhood (sometimes a good beauty/hair supply store) & buy a silk scarf that is ready to go. I have bought mine for like $8.00 & sometimes you can get a deal when buying more than one. |
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| VERY IMPORTANT. Your night scarf (when polyester or satin cap) may last for about as long as you wait to wash your hair. Like maybe a week or so. But when you consider all of the product that you put in your hair, it eventually winds up all over your scarf or cap. I would suggest washing the night time scarf about every time you wash your hair or every seven to eight days. Of course if your are one to be heavy handed at night time with your products -- you should probably wash it sooner. |
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| And the wraps that you may use -- depending on YOUR INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT USE -- should be washed out after the second use, third at the most. |
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| Not only is it great to have a fresh smelling, soft feeling, clean "rag" on your head. You can save yourself the headaches of trying to fight off the acne parade. |
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| Conditioning caps are thin transparent plastic caps similar in shape to a shower cap. These are best used for deep heat conditioning treatments. Apply the conditioner...cover with cap...use heat for deep penetration (such as a heating cap or a hot towel wrapped around the cap). Rinse out as instructed on the products labeling. |
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| These are great to just have around for conditioning treatments, hot oil treatments, applications of color rinses or color conditioner products. They cost about $.99 [cents] for a pack of 10 in your local beauty supply store. Look in the beautician hair washing supply aisle. |
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| A heating cap is a very good hair appliance to have on hand. This is a heavy heat-proof plastic/vinyl cap with an extended cord with a temperature setting dial. This is to be placed on top your head, after you have placed a protective conditioning cap on your hair...NEVER place a heating cap directly on to your hair...even if you have product on it...ALWAYS wear a conditioning cap underneath the heating cap. |
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| The costs vary...but is usually not more than $25 - $30...and may also be found in your local beauty supply store. |
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| I Will Be Updating This Portion For The Tribe On An Ongoing Basis |
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...you may visit the 'nappyhood messageboard' for the latest NI8 news & links...
Nubian Indigo 8 - Studio - Brooklyn - New York City
nubianindigo@yahoo.com
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